Self-braking follower mechanism for card files and the like

ABSTRACT

A self-braking follower mechanism suitable for use in a card file drawer and the like is described. The follower mechanism comprises a longitudinal follower guide located at the bottom of the file drawer. The follower guide is U-shaped in cross-section and has outwardly extending flanges. An elastomer strip lies in the trough of the follower guide. A follower comprising a vertical plate and a pair of arms that extend under the flanges is adapted to slide along the follower guide when raised to a release position. The follower includes a plurality of braking teeth adapted to impinge on and project into the elastomer strip when the follower is lowered. Thus, the braking teeth are self acting and maintain the follower in a fixed position when the follower is lowered so that the braking teeth impinge on and project into the elastomer strip.

United States Patent 1191 Kanitz 1 June 17, 1975 Roy E. Kanitz, Belpre, Ohio [73] Assignee: Sperry Rand Corporation, New

York, NY.

[22] Filed: Feb. 7, 1973 121] App]. No.: 330,302

[75] Inventor:

Primary ExaminerGeorge E. Lowrance Attorney, Agent, or FirmGriffin, Branigan and Butler [57] ABSTRACT A self-braking follower mechanism suitable for use in a card file drawer and the like is described. The follower mechanism comprises a longitudinal follower guide located at the bottom of the file drawer. The follower guide is U-shaped in cross-section and has outwardly extending flanges. An elastomer strip lies in the trough of the follower guide. A follower comprising a vertical plate and a pair of arms that extend under the flanges is adapted to slide along the follower guide when raised to a release position. The follower includes a plurality of braking teeth adapted to impinge on and project into the elastomer strip when the follower is lowered. Thus, the braking teeth are self acting and maintain the follower in a fixed position when the follower is lowered so that the braking teeth impinge on and project into the elastomer strip.

6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 1 SELF-BRAKING FOLLOWER MECHANISM FOR CARI) FILES AND THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to card files and the like and more particularly to follower mechanisms suitable for maintaining cards and the like in a vertical position in a file drawer.

Various types of follower mechanisms have been proposed for use in card file drawers and the like to maintain record cards in a vertical position. These followers are adapted to maintain cards and other sheet like records in generally vertical positions regardless of the number of cards in the drawer. More specifically, obviously, in a full" file drawer all cards are maintained in a vertical position regardless of whether or not the drawer includes a follower mechanism. Followers are used because the cards often do not fill a file drawer either because the file" only has a small number of cards or because room for expansion is desired. The follower is located at the rear of the cards in the file drawer and generally is positioned such that the distance between the front of the drawer and the follower is just sufficient to maintain all of the cards in the drawer in a vertical position. As cards are added to the file, the follower is moved toward the rear of the drawer so that the distance between the follower and the front of the file drawer is increased.

As previously indicated, a variety of card follower mechanisms have been proposed and are in use. While somewhat satisfactory, prior art follower mechanisms have some disadvantages. In many cases, slots formed in the bottom of the file drawer are used to lock a follower plate in fixed positions. The follower plate includes a suitable extension means that fits into one or more of the slots. In other cases, slots located in the sides of the file drawer are used to maintain the follower in fixed positions. Both of these arrangements have certain disadvantages. First, a somewhat complex follower and slot mechanism is required. In addition, because slots are used, the positions of the follower plate are fixed, not infinitely variable. Further, very often, the slots per se are relatively complicated in nature. For example, see the slot arrangement utilized and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,621 issued to ID. Blakley for File Card Follower Mechanism.

Other types of card followers also have been proposed and are in use. One other common type of card follower mechanism includes some form of spring arrangement. The spring arrangement allows the follower to be infinitely position adjustable. The primary disadvantage of prior art card follower mechanisms that include spring arrangements is that they have been more complicated than desirable. Thus, they have been expensive to manufacture and maintain. Moreover, the springs are subject to wear and deterioration when used over an extensive period of time. Examples of prior art spring arrangements are described in US. Pat. No. 8l9,090 issued to David E. Hunger for Card Holder" and U.S. Pat. No. 3,550,979 issued to Peter .I. Protzmann for Molded Card Drawers and Cabinets Therefor."

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved follower mechanism.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a follower mechanism that is infinitely position adjustable.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an uncomplicated follower mechanism that is infinitely position adjustable and suitable for use over an extended period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the principles of this invention a follower mechanism suitable for use in a card file drawer and the like is disclosed. The follower mechanism comprises a longitudinal follower guide located in the bottom of the file drawer. The follower mechanism also comprises a follower plate adapted to slide along the guide. An elastomer strip is located in the follower guide and coacts with braking teeth formed in the follower plate. The coaction is such that, when the braking teeth impinge on the elastomer strip, the follower plate is maintained in a fixed position. However, the coaction is such that the braking teeth can be disengaged from the elastomer strip. When the teeth are disengaged the follower plate is infinitely position adjustable in the drawer.

In accordance with further principles of this invention the longitudinal follower guide is generally U- shaped in cross-section and includes outwardly extending flanges. The elastomer strip lies in the trough" of the U-shaped follower guide.

In accordance with still further principles of this invention, the follower plate comprises a vertical plate and a pair of arms that extend first toward the front of the file drawer and then inwardly toward one another under the flanges of the U-shaped follower guide. Formed as a downward projection in the vertical plate, between the arms, are the braking teeth. Located in each arm is a pimple about which the follower plate is adapted to rock. Preferably the follower guide is slightly shorter than the card file drawer in which it is located so that the pair of arms can be easily inserted under the outwardly extending flanges without requiring the disassembly of the entire apparatus.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing summary that the invention provides an uncomplicated selfbraking follower mechanism suitable for use in a card file and the like. Even though uncomplicated, the mechanism is infinitely position adjustable. Because the follower mechanism does not include slots, the previously described disadvantages of follower mechanism that utilize slots is overcome. In addition, because the follower does not utilize a complicated spring mechanism, it does not have the disadvantages of prior art mechanisms of this nature. Moreover, it will be appreciated that in general, because it s uncomplicated, the follower mechanism of the invention is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card file drawer or the like with a portion of one side removed illustrating the self-braking follower mechanism of the invention mounted therein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one type of selfbraking follower machanism formed in accordance with the invention; and, FIG. 3 is a perspective of an alternate type of a self-braking follower mechanism formed in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates a file drawer 11 suitable for holding cards or the like in generally vertical positions. The drawer 11 includes a front 12, a back 13, right and left sides 14 and 15, and a bottom 16. The front of the file of the file drawer 12 includes a handle 17 which allows the drawer to be manually withdrawn from a file cabinet (not shown). The file cabinet normally retains a plurality of card file drawers 11, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, a label holder 19 is mounted on the front 12 or the file drawer 11 so that an identificatioin label identifying the cards contained in a particular file drawer can be located on the front of the drawer.

The present invention relates to the follower mechanism 20 located in the drawer 11. The follower mechanism 20 generally comprises a follower guide 21 attached to the bottom of the file drawer by welding, riv ets or the like and a follower plate 23. As will be better understood from the following description, the follower guide has a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (from front to rear) of the file drawer ll. Mounted on the follower guide 21 and suitable for movement along the follower guide 21 is the follower plate 23. In other words, the follower plate 23 is movable along the follower guide 21 from the front to the rear of the file drawer 11 and vice versa. As will be better understood from the following description, the follower plate is infinitely position adjustable.

FIG. 2 illustrates one type of self-braking follower mechanism formed in accordance with the invention and suitable for use in a file drawer 11 of the type illus' trated in FIG. 1. The follower guide 21, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is generally U-shaped in cross-section and has outwardly extending flanges 31 and 32, one on ei ther side. Located in the trough of the U of the follower guide 21 is an elastomer strip 33. The elastomer strip extends the entire length of the trough of the follower guide.

The follower plate 23 includes a generally vertical plate 35. Preferably, the generally vertical plate 35 includes an aperture 37 which makes the plate easier to grip when it is desired to raise and lower the follower plate as hereinafter described. Extending toward the front of the file drawer from the bottom of the generally vertical plate 35 and formed contiguous therewith are arms 39 and 41. One arm extends from one side of the vertical plate and the other extends from the other side, Each arm includes a projection 43 and 45. The projections project toward one another and lie beneath the flanges 31 and 32 of the follower guide 21, one on either side thereof. The projections 43 and 45 each include pimples 47 and 49 which rest on the bottom surface of the flanges 31 and 32. In other words, the projections 43 and 45 do not rest tightly against the bottom surfaces of the flanges. rather the pimples which preferably, are semi-spherical in nature, lie against the bottom surfaces of the flanges.

In order that the follower plate 23 can be easily inserted about the follower guide 21 in the illustrated manner, the follower guide is preferably shorter than the file drawer by an amount slightly greater than the width of the projections 43 and 45. The follower guide is mounted in the file drawer 11 so that a space of this dimension is located at the front of the drawer. The follower plate 23 is inserted about the follower guide 21 by dropping the projections 43 and 45 through this space or escapement so that they are beneath the flanges 31 and 32, and then moving the follower guide toward the rear of the drawer.

Located between the arms 39 and 41 and projecting downwardly in the plane of the generally vertical plate 35 is a braking flange 51. The braking flange terminates in a plurality of braking teeth 53. The braking flange S1 is located and formed such that the lower portion of it lies in the trough of the follower guide. Thus, the teeth 53 are located such that they are adapted to impinge on and project into the elastomer strip 33.

Turning now to a description of the operation of the self-braking follower mechanism llustrated in FIG. 2, when it is desired to adjust the position of the follower mechanism, the generally vertical plate 35 is raised. Raising the vertical plate 35 releases the braking teeth 53 from impingement into the elastomer strip 33 because the vertical plate rotates about the pimples 47 and 49. When the braking teeth 53 are released, the follower plate 23 can be slid toward the front or toward the rear of the file card drawer, as desired. Normally, cards are first positioned in the file drawer 11 so as to rest on the flanges 31 and 32. Then the follower plate 23 is moved toward the front of the file drawer 11 so as to press the cards against the front 12 of the drawer. When released, card pressure rotates the vertical plate 35 about the pimples 47 and 49, and forces the braking teeth into the elastomer strip. In this manner, the follower is maintained in position. When it is desired to change the position of the follower plate 23, it is raised by applying a suitable vertical force to the vertical plate 35. Then, the follower plate can be moved rearwardly, or forwardly, depending upon whether cards are to be added to, or removed from, the card file drawer 11.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 is generally identical to, and operates in a manner similar to, the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2. It differs in only one structural aspect. Hence, only the structural aspect will be hereinafter described. More specifically, braking flange 51 of the vertical plate 35 first projcets forwardly and then downwardly rather than just downwardly. The braking teeth 53 are thus formed in a downward projection somewhat in front of the plane of the vertical plate 35. The braking teeth 53, are, however, still located such that they are toward the rear of the pimples 47 and 49 formed in the inward projections 43 and 45 of the arms 39 and 41. Thus, this structural difference only changes the moment arm relationship between the point of impingement of the braking teeth and the point of pimple impingement.

It should be noted, and it will be easily understood from viewing FIGS. 2 and 3 that the arms 39 and 41 do not ride upon the bottom surface of the drawer 11. Rather, the impingement and location of the components of the invention is such that the arms 39 and 41 are always slightly separated from the bottom of the drawer. Even when the follower plate 23 is locked" in one of its infinitely variable positions, the arms 39 and 41 do not rest upon the bottom of the file drawer 11. Hence, there is always adequate force on the braking teeth 53 to maintain the drawer in its locked position.

In addition, it should be noted that some prior art spring like card file follower mechanisms tend to vary their position and loosen the pressure on the cards if the follower mechanism is vibrated. This can occur, for example, if the file drawer is located in a motorized file cabinet. In the case of this invention, such vibration causes the follower, if it moves at all, to move toward the cards in the file and increase pressure, rather than away from the cards.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention that a new and improved card follower mechanism is provided. The mechanism does not include slots, hence, it is infinitely position adjustable. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Further, it is not as complicated as prior art infinitely adjustable card follower mechanisms that use springs and the like.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and others that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Hence, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A file drawer self-braking follower mechanism for maintaining cards and the like generally vertically oriented one behind another, comprising:

a follower guide of generally U-shaped cross-section located at the bottom of the drawer and extending parallel to the front to rear axis of the drawer;

an elastomer strip having a surface which is even in the longitudinal direction and disposed along a trough of the U-shaped follower guide; and

a generally vertically oriented follower plate mounted on said follower guide for slideable motion along the follower guide and having a plurality of braking teeth on the bottom edge for impinging into the top even surface of the elastomer strip so that the follower plate can be secured at any position along the follower guide.

2. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein said follower guide includes outwardly projecting flanges, one on either side of said trough.

3. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the follower plate has an arm at the bottom on each side of the follower guide extending toward the front of the file drawer and terminating in respective lateral sections that extend toward one another beneath said flanges.

4. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 3 including pimples formed in the upper surface of the lateral sections of said arms.

5. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein said follower plate includes a projection that projects downwardly into said trough, said braking teeth being formed in said projection.

6. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 5 wherein said projection is right angled, first projecting in a plane generally normal to the plane of said vertically oriented follower plate and then projecting downwardly so as to terminate in said braking teeth. k l= 

1. A file drawer self-braking follower mechanism for maintaining cards and the like generally vertically oriented one behind another, comprising: a follower guide of generally U-shaped cross-section located at the bottom of the drawer and extending parallel to the front to rear axis of the drawer; an elastomer strip having a surface which is even in the longitudinal direction and disposed along a trough of the Ushaped follower guide; and a generally vertically oriented follower plate mounted on said follower guide for slideable motion along the follower guide and having a plurality of braking teeth on the bottom edge for impinging into the top even surface of the elastomer strip so that the follower plate can be secured at any position along the follower guide.
 2. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein said follower guide includes outwardly projecting flanges, one on either side of said trough.
 3. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the follower plate has an arm at the bottom on each side of the follower guide extending toward the front of the file drawer and terminating in respective lateral sections that extend toward one another beneath said flanges.
 4. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 3 including pimples formed in the upper surface of the lateral sections of said arms.
 5. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein said follower plate includes a projection that projects downwardly into said trough, said braking teeth being formed in said projection.
 6. A self braking follower mechanism as claimed in claim 5 wherein said projection is right angled, first projecting in a plane generally normal to the plane of said vertically oriented follower plate and then projecting downwardly so as to terminate in said braking teeth. 